22-03-2026

Cuba's Repeated Power Outages Spark Crisis

Date: 22-03-2026
Sources: bbc.com: 1 | cbsnews.com: 1 | economist.com: 1 | edition.cnn.com: 1 | npr.org: 1 | straitstimes.com: 1
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Image Source:

Source: straitstimes.com

Image content: The image depicts a scene of destruction and devastation, with a man walking in the foreground. * The main subject or scene shown is a severely damaged building, likely the result of an explosion or conflict. * Visible elements include: * A man wearing a black suit and hat walking in the foreground * A damaged tan-colored building with exposed brick and debris-filled windows * A bare tree in front of the building * Red and white caution tape surrounding the area * A white car partially visible on the left side of the image * The image suggests that the building has been affected by a significant event, such as a bombing or conflict, resulting in substantial damage. The image shows a man in a black suit and hat walking past a severely damaged tan-colored building surrounded by caution tape, with debris and a bare tree in front of it. The building appears to be the result of an explosion or conflict. The scene is set against a backdrop of a blue sky

Summary

Cuba has experienced its second major power outage in a week, leaving over 10 million people without electricity due to an ageing infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages exacerbated by a US fuel blockade. The crisis has sparked rare public dissent and protests against the government, with the US and Cuban governments holding initial talks to address the crisis.

Key Points

  • Cuba's national electrical grid has collapsed multiple times due to infrastructure issues and fuel shortages.
  • The US fuel blockade has significantly contributed to Cuba's energy crisis.
  • Protests and demonstrations have erupted as frustration grows over prolonged blackouts and worsening living conditions.
  • The Cuban government is prioritizing vital centers like hospitals and water systems to restore power.
  • The US and Cuban governments have initiated talks, but the Cuban government insists its political system is not up for negotiation.

Articles in this Cluster

Cuba's second power cut in a week leaves 10 million in darkness

Cuba experienced its second major power outage in a week, leaving over 10 million people without electricity. The country's national electrical grid collapsed due to an ageing infrastructure and chronic fuel shortages exacerbated by a US fuel blockade. The government has begun implementing protocols to restore power, prioritizing vital centers like hospitals and water systems. The crisis has sparked rare public dissent, with protests and demonstrations against the government. The US and Cuban governments have held initial talks to address the crisis, but the Cuban government insists its political system is not up for negotiation.
Entities: Cuba, United States, Havana, Morón, Miguel Díaz-CanelTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Cuba suffers second nationwide power outage in less than a week - CBS News

Cuba experienced its second nationwide power outage in less than a week, with the National Electric Union attributing the cause to the shutdown of Unit No. 6 at a power plant in Nuevitas. This outage is the fourth major blackout in Cuba over the past four months, exacerbating the country's energy and economic crises. The Cuban government blames the U.S. energy blockade for its problems, while President Trump has suggested that Cuba's government is on the verge of collapse and has even implied that he might 'take' Cuba. Protests have been reported as frustration grows over prolonged blackouts and worsening living conditions.
Entities: Cuba, United States, Donald Trump, Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, NuevitasTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

A dirty deal with Cuba would be better than the alternatives

The United States is in a position to influence Cuba's fate due to its control over Venezuelan oil distribution after capturing Nicolás Maduro. The US has effectively cut Cuba off from its last reliable energy supplier, and other countries have been deterred from providing aid due to the threat of renewed tariffs. As a result, Cuba is facing a severe energy crisis, with widespread power outages and increasing protests. The article argues that a 'dirty deal' with Cuba, likely referring to a compromise or negotiation with the Cuban government, would be preferable to the alternatives, which could lead to a humanitarian crisis on America's doorstep.
Entities: United States, Cuba, Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela, MexicoTone: analyticalSentiment: negativeIntent: persuade

Cuba plunged into second nationwide blackout in less than a week | CNNClose icon

Cuba experienced its second nationwide blackout in less than a week, leaving over 10 million people without power. The blackout occurred as the country was still recovering from a previous power grid collapse on Monday, which was the first since the US blocked fuel supplies from Venezuela. The Ministry of Energy announced the blackout on Saturday evening, stating that protocols for restoration were being implemented. The crisis has been exacerbated by the US embargo on Cuba and the lack of fuel from Mexico and Venezuela, which has stopped tourism, disrupted education, and cut services at hospitals. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has stated that the government is preparing for a potential attack, while US President Donald Trump has made comments suggesting he might 'take' Cuba.
Entities: Cuba, United States, Donald Trump, Miguel Díaz-Canel, VenezuelaTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Cuba's power grid collapses leaving it without electricity for the 3rd time this month : NPR

Cuba's power grid collapsed on Saturday, leaving the country without electricity for the third time in March 2026. The collapse was caused by an unexpected failure of a generating unit at the Nuevitas thermoelectric plant. The communist government is battling with a decaying infrastructure and a U.S.-imposed oil blockade, which has resulted in daily blackouts of up to 12 hours due to fuel shortages. The blackouts have significantly impacted the population, disrupting lives and causing problems such as food spoilage and canceled surgeries. President Miguel Díaz-Canel stated that the island has not received oil from foreign suppliers for three months, and Cuba produces only 40% of the fuel it needs. The U.S. has imposed sanctions, including a potential 'energy blockade,' and has demanded that Cuba release political prisoners and move toward political and economic liberalization.
Entities: Cuba, Miguel Díaz-Canel, United States, Donald Trump, Nuevitas thermoelectric plantTone: neutralSentiment: negativeIntent: inform

Cuban power grid collapses for second time in a week amid US oil blockade | The Straits Times

Cuba's national electric grid collapsed on March 21 for the second time in a week due to a US-imposed oil blockade, exacerbating the country's power crisis. The collapse is the third major power outage in March, with the previous two occurring on March 4 and March 16. The US oil blockade was imposed after Washington deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba's main oil supplier. The blockade has led to a severe shortage of oil in Cuba, causing widespread power outages. Cuba has long blamed the US trade embargo for its economic failures, including its failing power grid.
Entities: Cuba, US, Donald Trump, Nicolas Maduro, VenezuelaTone: negativeSentiment: negativeIntent: inform